RatFix!: A Community-Led Solution to Pasir Ris West's Rodent Problem
Rats are an increasingly prevalent challenge in urban environments worldwide, and Singapore is no exception. Upon receiving significant feedback from residents in Pasir Ris West, it became clear that rat sightings were a pressing local issue that needed immediate attention.
Our initial observations and discussions revealed two primary contributing factors to the heightened rat activity: readily available food sources and ongoing construction activities. Food, naturally, serves as a powerful attractant for rodents seeking sustenance. Construction sites, on the other hand, inadvertently disturb existing burrows through their groundworks and vibrations, forcing rat populations to relocate and seek new habitats within the community.
The RatFix! 5-Point Programme
In response to this growing concern, a comprehensive 5-point programme, aptly named "RatFix!", was meticulously designed and launched in Pasir Ris West. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving grassroots leaders, the National Environment Agency (NEA), the Housing & Development Board (HDB), the Town Council, and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA). The programme focuses on:
- Cut: Implementing measures to reduce accessible food sources.
- Clear: Systematically eliminating rat burrows and potential nesting sites.
- Cull: Employing humane and effective rat population control measures.
- Communicate: Educating the community on anti-rat strategies and preventive actions.
- Coordinate: Ensuring seamless collaboration among all stakeholders and residents for a unified and effective approach.
We are hopeful that this integrated and multi-pronged approach can serve as a robust template for addressing similar rat problems in other parts of Singapore. Achieving and maintaining a clean, pest-free neighbourhood is a collective responsibility, requiring the active participation and joint effort of every resident. Let's work together to ensure Pasir Ris remains as rat-free as possible!
Our efforts in Pasir Ris West recently caught the attention of CNA’s "Talking Point" programme, who joined us to delve deeper into the local rat situation and the measures being implemented. You can view Part 1 of their insightful coverage here: Talking Point: Why Are There More Rats In Singapore? (Part 1). Stay tuned for Part 2, airing next week!